Handle for lawn mowers and the like



March 1, 19 32. F GRACEY 1,847,394

HANDLE FOR LAWN MOWERS AND THE LIKE Filed May 20, 1929 gwuento'c Patented Mar. 1, 1932 PATENT OFFICE FRANK J. GRACEY, OF SYLVANIA, OHIO HANDLE FOR LAWN MOWERS AN D THE LIKE Application filed May 20, 1929.

This invention relates to an improved handle of the type used on lawn mowers. Handles of this type, comprising a longitudinal shank with a cross head secured to the end thereof, have heretofore been made of wood, the cross head being usually connected to the shank by a mortise joint which is reinforced by metal angles or brackets secured by rivets or the like. The cross head is often used fortransmitting atwisting forcethrough the shank to the mower, when becomes necessary to lift one wheel from the ground, and this frequently results in splitting the handle or in loosening the mortise joint. In fact, it is possible to ruin almost any wooden handle by manual force applied in this manner.

The object of the present invention is to provide a handle of this typewhich is con- 0 structed wholly of metal, which will cost very little, if any, more than a wooden handle, and which is strong enough to withstand any manual force that may be applied thereto.

The distinctive features of an all ,metal handle constructed in accordance with my invention, the method of constructing the same, and the advantages resulting therefrom will be more particularly explained in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the handle.

Figure 2 is a plan view thereof, with a portion broken away.

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure l is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 4--l of Figure 2.

In accordance with the invention, the hollow shank 5 is formed of seamless metal tubing, the sides of which are flattened so that it is substantially rectangular in cross section, as shown in Figure 8. The usual laterally disposed supporting braces 6 are secured to the lower end of the shank 5 by rivets 7 or in any other suitable manner. The upper end of the shank 5 extends into a hollow metal cross head 8 midway between the ends thereof.

Serial No. 364,683.

against the upper and lower faces of the shank 5. The upper end of the shank preferably extends into the interior of the cross head and abuts against the inner surface thereof, forming a brace therefor. The ears 5 9 may be secured to. the shank by means of rivets 10 or in any other suitable manner.

By constructing the handle in this manner, with the ears 9 forming an integral part of the cross head, the latter is firmly and rigidly secured to the shank. By disposing the attaching ears 9 against the upper and lower faces of the shank and securing the same directly thereto, the mower may be manipulated by means of the cross head and in manipulating the same to raise one side of the mower there is no shearing strain on the connection between the cross head and shank. No angle members or attaching brackets are required. The all metal handle may be manufactured very economically in the same factory where the mower is made, without the installation of wood working machinery.

lVhile I have illustrated in detail one embodiment of the invention, it will be under-. stood that this may be modified in various respects without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

What I claim is:

A handle of the class described comprising a hollow metal shank formed at one end with oppositely facing fiat surfaces, and a hollow metal cross head, circular in cross sec tion, and formed midway between its ends with an opening in which the end of the shank fits, said cross head being formed with integral opposed flat ears extending from the edges of said opening outwardly from the body of the cross head along said oppositely facing flat surfaces of the shank and rigidly secured thereto.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name to this specification.

FRANK J. GRACEY. 

